Everything You Need to Know Before Attending the Wisconsin State Fair
Held annually for 11 days every August (occasionally starting the last day or two of July), the Wisconsin State Fair showcases everything to love about Wisconsin. From the state’s incredible agricultural heritage and farming pride to amazing vendors featuring delicious food and drinks, you won’t want to miss the end of summer fun.
This post shares everything you need to know to plan the ultimate visit to the Wisconsin State Fair, including information on parking, best things to do at the fair, and can’t-miss attractions.
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About the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair:
Where is the Wisconsin State Fair:
The Wisconsin State Fair takes place annually at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, about 10 minutes southwest of Milwaukee. The exact address for your GPS is 640 S. 84th St., West Allis.
The almost 200-acre State Fair Grounds has been home to the state fair since 1892, and welcomes over 100 million fair-goers over 11 days. Outside of fair season, the grounds holds events such as concerts, fundraisers, expos, and more.
How to Get to the State Fair:
The Wisconsin State Fair Park is located near the interchange of I-94 and I-41/US-45.
2025 Wisconsin State Fair Dates & Hours:
The 2025 Wisconsin State Fair takes place July 31 through August 10. You can enjoy the fair Sunday through Wednesday from 10am until 10pm, and Thursday through Saturday from 10am until midnight.
Parking at the State Fair:
In my opinion, parking is the most stressful part of the Wisconsin State Fair. While there are paid lots, the traffic jam to enter can be ruthless for impatient people like myself.
Last year, I parked on the street for free just under a mile away. My mom was not thrilled with the walk, but I honestly think parking on the street and walking the mile was faster than waiting for the paid lot.
With that said, if you want the closer, paid lot, arrive near opening time or later in the day, or be prepared to wait.
Onsite Parking:
Onsite parking is $15 per vehicle and $8 per motorcycle. Keep in mind that only right-hand turns are allowed into State Fair Park from all bordering streets, and that parking is first-come first-serve.
If you want to be even closer to the entrance, preferred parking is available for $25 that can only be purchased at the lot.
Street Parking/Neighborhoods:
Street parking is available near the fair or in neighborhoods, often at no cost. Please make sure to check for posted signs
Public Transit:
There are several ways to get to the Wisconsin State Fair via public transit and shuttles. Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) routes 18 and 33 provide regular daily service to the state fair.
Several local hotels and restaurants also offer shuttle service, including Sonesta Milwaukee West, Best Western Plus Milwaukee West, Milwaukee Brat House (Downtown and Shorewood), and Magoo’s on the Mound, just to name a few.
Admission:
An admission fee is required for entrance to the Wisconsin State Fair. Below are the 2025 admission rates:
– Adult: $16 online in advance, $20 at the gate
– Children 5 & under: Free
– Children 6-11: $11
There are several ways to earn free or discounted entrance to the fair. For example, kids may be eligible for free admission by completing a summer reading program (check online for qualifying programs).
Local grocery stores and gas stations also often run promotions for free entrance. And the Wisconsin State Fair sponsors have daily promotions for free admission or discounts (ex: On July 31st, donate 2 cans of vegetables or fruit, or make a cash donation to Hunger Task Force to receive admission for $5).
Where to Stay:
There are several Milwaukee-area hotel partners if you are traveling from out of town.
– Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
– DoubleTree by Hilton
– Fairfield by Marriott
– HolidayInn Express & Suites
– Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel
Best Time to Visit:
As you can imagine, the Wisconsin State Fair is busiest on the weekends. To avoid huge crowds, visit early to mid-week during the day, when many are working.
If you visit on a weekend, arrive early for the best parking and to enjoy the fair before the crowds pick up. I’d recommend arriving around 9:30am so you can find parking and walk to the park gates.
What to Bring & Entrance Policies:
– Water bottle (empty, reusable cups are permitted) – this is my favorite insulated water bottle!
– Sunscreen – grab your favorite sunscreen!
– Bag – make sure it meets the fair ground requirements
– Umbrella (just in case)
– Hat – I’m a baseball hat girlie, but this is a very popular unisex sun hat that offers full protection during those hot fair days
– Bug spray
Must-Do Attractions:
Rides
The Wisconsin State Fair offers several riders whether you are looking for a full amusement park area, a singular thrill ride, or an iconic view from a ferris wheel.
– SpinCity (Additional Fee): Over 40 rides and 25 games for both kids and adults in a separate area of the fair. Purchase individual ride and game tickets or an unlimited wristband that’s good for unlimited rides for one day.
– WonderFair Wheel (Additional Fee): Ride the iconic WonderFair Wheel that takes passengers up 15 stories to amazing views of the fairgrounds and beyond. The ferris wheel accommodates 1100 fairgoers each hour and ride time is approximately 10 minutes. Tickets are $7 when purchased onsite or $6 when purchased online in advance.
– SkyGlider (Additional Fee): Ride above the fair from one end to the other on the famous SkyGlider. Tickets are available at both ends and are $6 one-way or $10 round-trip.
– Giant Slide (Additional Fee): Fun for both kids and adults, the slide is 200ft and costs $4 per slide.
– Thrill Rides:
Ejection Seat (Additional Fee)
Skyscraper (Additional Fee) – New for 2025!
Family Fun
The Wisconsin State Fair is a family-friendly outing and kids will love the activities just for them. While SpinCity has plenty of rides for kids of all ages, the fair has an incredible offering of free activities that will keep the kiddos entertained for hours.
Here are just a few of the options for 2025:
– Family Variety Stage (Free): family-friendly entertainment like jugglers and comics
– Exploratory Park (Free): a quiet greenspace where kids can take a break from the crowds and play in the sandbox, explore nature with DNR rangers, and play games like chess and bag toss.
– Saz’s Racing Pigs (Free): Kids can cheer on their favorite pig up to 7 times each day.
Exhibits & Education
Wisconsin has an incredible agricultural history and dairy industry, and the State Fair is a great event to learn more about it. Here are a few exhibits that provide background, education, and fun:
– Animals in the Barns (Free): Visit with the farm animals, including cows, horses, goats, alpaca, and more. Please do not pet or touch the animals without explicit permission from animal owners.
– Milking Parlor (Free): View cow and goat milking demonstrations at various times through the day.
– Dairy Lane Exhibit (Free): Learn about Wisconsin’s immense dairy industry through interactive exhibits.
Music and Entertainment
You can enjoy a variety of free music and entertainment at the various stages throughout the fair park. Each day there’s a music lineup along with an entertainment program consisting of dairy product demonstrations, K-9 competitions, floral showcases, and so much more.
Food & Drink
Yes, the food and drinks are an attraction. The Wisconsin State Fair holds the Sporkies each year which is an annual food competition that encourages the fair vendors to get creative with their offerings, and usually involves unusual pairings. Similarly, the Drinkies are held for the best and most creative drinks of the year.
2025 Sporkies I want to try: A Hunk A Hunk Elvis Donut Ice Cream Sandwich, S’mores Churro Fries
2025 Drinkies I want to try: Purple Rain Refresher, Carnival Cooler
If you’re looking for a place to start with food option, my go-to favorite foods at the state fair are: Corn on the Cob, Cream Puffs, Fried Oreos, Baked Potatoes, Slushie Drinks.
There’s always a chance you’ll try something new and not love it, but those experiences help make the best memories.
Sample Itinerary:
Here is a sample itinerary for your perfect day at the Wisconsin State Fair.
Morning:
– Arrive by 9:30am to find parking, go through security/entrance and grab map
– Pick 1-2 food and drink items to try for breakfast
– Explore the Dairy Building and Exposition Center
Midday:
– Go on a few rides (SpinCity if you’re getting tickets or SkyGlider, Giant Slide, etc.)
– Catch the Pig Races or another demonstration
Lunch:
– Plan in advance what you want for lunch
– Sporkies are fun if you want to try something different; otherwise the options are endless
Afternoon:
– Wisconsin Products Pavilion and Animal Barns
– Sample some more delicious food and drink items on your list
– Head back to SpinCity if you have tickets left or purchased a wrist band
Evening:
– Try to grab a ride on the Ferris wheel during sunset
– Spend an hour or so browsing the vendor shops (there are soo many goodies!)
– Catch a concert on one of the stages
– Enjoy the Drinkies or sample the various breweries and wineries represented at the fair (please drink responsibly!)
Pro Tips:
Before you head out to the Wisconsin State Fair this year, keep in mind these “Pro Tips” to help you have the best experience:
– Plan out your day before you arrive. You’ll want to see and try everything, but it’s simply not possible, especially in only one day. However, advanced preparation can help you taste your favorite foods, try your top rides, and listen to your favorite artists without backtracking.
– Save for the day and stick to a budget. Last year, my mom and I spent over $100 just on entrance tickets and a few food and drink items. We didn’t go on any rides or buy anything extra at the shops. Alcoholic drinks can add up very fast.
– Wear your comfiest walking shoes. The Wisconsin State Fair is huge and requires a lot of walking. It’s a great place to get all of your steps in, but make sure you dress for the occasion or it will be a long day.
– It can get really hot. Wisconsin in August, thousands of people, and tons of walking equates to a sweaty mess. Bring your water bottle, consider a neck fan, and check the weather before you leave.
– Have Fun!! The Wisconsin State Fair only comes around once a year so make the most of your visit and enjoy every second.
